FORT WAYNE, Ind. (WOWO): The State Board of Education has its first new member, courtesy of the leader of the state Senate. 

Steve Yager was appointed to a four-year term on the State Board by Sen. David Long (R, Fort Wayne). Long and House Speaker Brian Bosma (R, Indianapolis) each have an appointment to the eleven-member board under a law passed by the General Assembly this year that‘s designed to improve the board‘s function. 

Yager retired from public education last year after five years as superintendent of Southwest Allen County Schools. Before that, he spent 19 years as Northwest Allen County‘s superintendent, and he has also served as a principal, counselor and teacher. “He brings a proven record of accomplishment and leadership in our local schools, where he has earned widespread respect from students, parents, faculty and members of the surrounding community,” Long said in a statement from his office.

Over much of the past year, Yager was co-chair – with state Superintendent Glenda Ritz – of the committee that developed the new A-to-F school grading formula that was approved by the State Board at its last meeting. “I’m thankful for the chance to serve in this new role,” Yager said. “While I’ve recently retired from my position with our local schools, I’ve never lost my passion for helping students succeed. I know my fellow Board members share this passion, and I look forward to working with all of them in the days ahead. I’m eager to get started.” 

Bosma and Pence have yet to announce their appointments to the board. Pence has eight appointments, down from the ten he used to have, and no more than five of his appointees can be from the same political party.

 Ritz, a Democrat, remains on the board, and under the law she will continue to chair the board through the 2016 election, after which the board will elect its own chair.